I think that, to start such an essay, you'll have to define your terms, since there is debate about the meaning of several of them, so as to better frame the piece. For example, I'm not sure you can count a fan base as a fandom, at least not in the sense of fandom that Trekkies, furries, otaku, etc. use (I see the difference as being fandom vs. fandom as a community, with the latter being far more on the Trekkie side). Also, using furry = funny animal = anthropomorphic animal, I really don't see the difference between furries and funny animal lovers, seeing as both love the same thing (very Trekkie vs. Trekker), just maybe celebrating the thing in different ways.
Also, what were your sources for pre-1970s anthropomorphic animal fandom info? I'm rather curious, seeing as I'm doing my own research into the history of fandom as a whole.
I think that, to start such an essay, you'll have to define your terms, since there is debate about the meaning of several of them, so as to better frame the piece. For example, I'm not sure you can count a fan base as a fandom, at least not in the sense of fandom that Trekkies, furries, otaku, etc. use (I see the difference as being fandom vs. fandom as a community, with the latter being far more on the Trekkie side). Also, using furry = funny animal = anthropomorphic animal, I really don't see the difference between furries and funny animal lovers, seeing as both love the same thing (very Trekkie vs. Trekker), just maybe celebrating the thing in different ways.
Also, what were your sources for pre-1970s anthropomorphic animal fandom info? I'm rather curious, seeing as I'm doing my own research into the history of fandom as a whole.